see also: in October 2006 News Releases:   CBP releases outstanding 2006 results   CBP Launches SENTRI Program Improvements   Aduanas Introduce Mejoras al Programa SENTRI   CBP Deploys Newest Unmanned Aircraft   CBP Border Patrol Nabs Sex Offender   More Than $1 Million in Cocaine Seized by CBP Border Patrol Agents in New Mexico   CBP Border Patrol Agents Foil Drug Smugglers ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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Ysleta, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol agents seized 418 pounds of marijuana Tuesday, in an irrigation ditch and an adjacent alfalfa field near San Elizario, Texas.

Border Patrol agents were patrolling on Glorieta Road in San Elizario, Texas, north of the Rio Grande River, when they spotted an individual carrying a large burlap sack run across the road. Agents responded to this activity by sign cutting, the ancient art of following footprints to track someone. The agents encountered the suspect trying to conceal himself with the burlap sack containing narcotics. The man, an undocumented migrant from Mexico, was arrested.

Agents also observed other smugglers in an alfalfa field adjacent to the ditch. The smugglers absconded into Mexico after seeing the approaching agents. A CBP canine unit discovered an additional seven duffel bags containing marijuana in the alfalfa field. There were a total of 72 bundles wrapped in cellophane weighing more than 418 pounds and valued at nearly $335,000.

The Drug Enforcement Administration in El Paso took custody of the narcotics and the subject, and will prosecute the case.

So far in fiscal year 2007, which began October 1, CBP Border Patrol agents have already seized nearly $5 million in narcotics.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation’s borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.